D08 MICROCOMPUTERS AND NETWORKED SYSTEMS

Prerequisites None beyond those required for any student undertaking the Diploma Course. However it is recommended that Information Technology 1 and Business Communications (references D01 and D02) should be studied either prior to or in conjunction with this module.

Assessment By a single 3 hour externally set examination paper.

1. Have developed a knowledge of how the information needs of a small business may be serviced by computer systems.

2. Understand the stages of development of a computer-based information system for a business.

3. Have an understanding of the role of communications in the functioning of a computer system.

4. Have a basic understanding of network topologies and how they relate to business systems.

5. Have an understanding of the hardware requirements of communications within a business system.

6. Understand the standards and protocols required for interfacing.

7. Understand the network types and architectures involved in communicating between computer users.

8. Have an understanding of the uses of networked systems within the business environment.

9. Understand the use of appropriate software within the small business environment.

10. Appreciate the importance of quality, control and security relating to a small business system.

11. Appreciate the implications of the introduction of innovation and change to those working in a small business environment.

1.1 Identify the flow of data within a small business computer-based system.

1.2 Identify the various levels of information within an organisation and show how these may be serviced by a computer-based information system.

1.3 Discuss the relevance of small business computer-based information systems to the main functional areas commonly found in small organisations.

1.4 Outline the type of information requirements within a small business.

1.5 Appreciate the use of computer-based information systems for processing typical business applications.

2.1 Outline the reasons for developing a computer-based information system.

2.2 Understand the importance of problem specification in the development of these systems.

2.3 Discuss the stages needing to be completed in the development of a computer-based information system.

2.4 Appreciate the need for systems analysis and design in relation to a computer-based information system.

2.5 Be aware of the importance of agreeing a written specification in the development of a computer-based information system.

2.6 Understand the reasons for using design tools to assist in the design of a solution to a written specification.

2.7 Describe the uses and cost requirements of computer-based information systems and the factors influencing choice.

2.8 Understand the design and sizing of an appropriate configuration for computer-based information systems.

2.9 Appreciate the importance of designing test plans for the system and use the appropriate techniques in the creation of test data.

2.10 Be aware of safety considerations and ergonomics when implementing a system.

2.11 Understand the techniques used in the implementation of computer-based information systems including the provision of training and User documentation.

2.12 Appreciate the need for the review and evaluation of such systems.

3.1 Appreciate the applications of data communications.

3.2 Understand the management of a data communications system.

Objectives

4.1 Be aware of currently available data communications and those in development.

4.2 Understand the different techniques of data communications.

4.3 Appreciate the different coding methods used for data communication.

4.4 Understand the need for parity checking.

4.5 Understand the need for serial and parallel data communication.

4.6 Understand how asynchronous and synchronous transmission is achieved.

4.7 Be aware of the public telephone network (PTN) and the public digital network (PDN). Be aware of the public telephone network (PTN) and the public digital network (PDN).

4.8 Understand simple network topologies.

5.1 Understand how copper cables can be used for data communications.

5.2 Be aware of how free space can be used for data communications.

5.3 Be aware of how optical fibres can be used for data communications.

5.4 Understand simple error detection techniques.

5.5 Be able to show how an error correcting technique can correct errors.

6.1 Understand modulation techniques used in data communications.

6.2 Understand various modulation methods.

6.3 Understand the operation of a serial (RS232) interface and a parallel (Centronics) interface.

6.4 Be aware of the need for a data communications standard.

6.5 Be aware of the ISO OSI model.

7.1 Understand the operation of both a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN).

7.2 Be aware of the communications medium/s needed for a network.

7.3 Understand the data transmission rates required for a network.

7.4 Understand the implications of the introduction of a value added network (VAN) and what is meant by the term ‘information super-highway’.

8.1 Be aware of the uses of a network.

8.2 Be aware of the types of data sent over a network.

8.3 Explain the effects on a small business of networking its computer equipment. Outline the benefits to be gained from this.

8.4 Describe some typical applications using data communications equipment.

8.5 Understand how the use of networked systems has helped businesses to develop.

9.1 Discuss the various types of operating systems used with a small business system.

9.2 Identify and describe the use of software packages within a small business environment.

9.3 List the main types of software packages available for small business systems. Appreciate the need to use appropriate packages to handle various forms of data.

9.4 Appreciate the importance of using a database system. Understand the need to incorporate recent developments in database technology.

9.5 Understand the concept of a ‘distributed system’ and the advantages and disadvantages to implementing such a system.

10.1 Understand the need for controls, audit procedures and security methods.

10.2 Describe the controls used to ensure the validity and accuracy of data input within the system.

10.3 Describe the requirements for providing an audit trail.

10.4 Identify the techniques used to ensure only authorised access to computer systems and files.

10.5 Identify the precautions necessary to prevent physical damage to equipment.

10.6 Identify the procedures required to help prevent and recover from environmental hazards, software and hardware faults and viruses.

11.1 Appreciate the importance of incorporating new technology within the small business environment.

11.2 Understand the implications of introducing Multi-media facilities into a small business system.

11.3 Identify the various changes that are required when introducing computer systems into the small business environment.